Question:

Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies the concept of federalism in the United States?

A) The federal government establishes national parks and protected lands throughout the country, ensuring consistent conservation efforts across all states.

B) The state of California passes a law legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, despite it remaining illegal under federal law.

C) The mayor of a small town in Nebraska enforces a curfew for minors, outlining penalties for violations according to the community's identified needs.

D) The United States Postal Service, an independent agency of the federal government, provides mail services to all residents, irrespective of their state of residence.

Answer:

The correct answer is D) The United States Postal Service, an independent agency of the federal government, provides mail services to all residents, irrespective of their state of residence.

Explanation:

Federalism is the division of powers and responsibilities between the national government and the state governments. It allows for shared authority and autonomy between the different levels of government.

Option A is not the best example of federalism because although the national government is involved in establishing national parks, it does not involve shared authority with state governments. Each state has its own jurisdiction over state parks and protected lands.

Option B highlights the distinction between state and federal laws, but it primarily represents a conflict between state and federal authority rather than a collaborative effort in federalism. In this case, the state law contradicts federal law.

Option C primarily represents the exercise of local government authority rather than the division of powers between the national and state governments. It showcases the principle of local governance but does not explicitly involve the federal government or other states.

Option D is the best example of federalism as it demonstrates the shared authority and collaboration between the federal government and the states. The United States Postal Service, being an independent agency of the federal government, provides mail services to all residents regardless of their state of residence. This example showcases the cooperation between the federal and state governments in providing a necessary service to all citizens.